Electrolytic cell

ABSTRACT

An electrolytic cell comprising, 1) an electrolyte inlet reservoir, 2) an oxygen outlet chamber and 3) a reaction space therebetween which houses an electrode array. When water is introduced into the reaction chamber the water acts as both an induction coil core (with the surrounding cathodes as the induction coil) and a condenser (capacitor) dielectric to enable the formation of a unitary inductance-capacitance; which effectively is a capacitor and an inductor in parallel. With the application of the appropriate frequency the subject apparatus acts as a parallel resonant tank circuit storing energy in the magnetic field of the coil and in the electric field of the capacitor.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/365,337 filed Jul. 18, 2010 and entitled, Electrolytic Cell.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates generally to an apparatus and method fordecomposing chemical compounds by means of electrical energy and, morespecifically to such an apparatus and method for obtaining the releaseof hydrogen and oxygen from water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous processes have been proposed for separating a water moleculeinto its elemental hydrogen and oxygen components. Electrolysis is onesuch process. In electrolysis, a potential difference is applied betweenan anode and a cathode in contact with an electrolytic conductor toproduce an electric current through the electrolytic conductor. Whendriven by an external voltage applied to the electrodes, the electrolyteprovides ions that flow to and from the electrodes, wherecharge-transferring, or faradaic, or redox, reactions can take place.Each electrode attracts ions that are of the opposite charge.Positively-charged ions (cations) move towards the electron-providing(negative) cathode, whereas negatively-charged ions (anions) movetowards the positive anode. Those atoms that gain or lose electrons tobecome charged ions pass into the electrolyte. Those ions that gain orlose electrons to become uncharged atoms separate from the electrolyte.The formation of uncharged atoms from ions is called discharging.

The above process takes place in an “electrolytic cell”. A conventionalelectrolytic cell has three component parts: an electrolyte and twoelectrodes (a cathode and an anode). The electrolyte is usually asolution of water or other solvents in which ions are dissolved. Manymolten salts and hydroxides are electrolytic conductors but usually theconductor is a solution of a substance which dissociates in the solutionto form ions. The term “electrolyte” will be used herein to refer to asubstance which dissociates into ions, at least to some extent, whendissolved in a suitable solvent.

The energy required to cause the ions to migrate to the electrodes, andthe energy to cause the change in ionic state, is provided by theexternal source of electrical potential. Only with an externalelectrical potential (i.e. voltage) of the correct polarity and largeenough magnitude can an electrolytic cell decompose a normally stable,or inert chemical compound in the solution.

Electrolytic devices that decompose water to liberate its componentelements, hydrogen and oxygen, are well known in the art. Commercially,such electrolytic cells have been used with varying degrees of successto increase the efficiency of combustion engines and are also used forbench top production of Hydrogen and Oxygen for lab or commercial use.The mixture of the liberated hydrogen with a hydrocarbon fuel and air ina combustion engine has many benefits among which are enriching andimproving the charge, promoting combustion, producing less toxiccombustion products, increasing power, increasing the efficiency of theengine, and/or economizing on fuel.

However, a serious drawback of many electrolytic cells of the prior artis that they are incapable of producing hydrogen at a rate sufficient tomaintain a constant flow to the internal combustion engines. A varietyof electrolytic cell designs have been created in an effort to increasethe rate of electrolysis. Several electrolytic devices of the prior artinclude multiple electrodes in a variety of arrangements. For instance,several such arrangements include a centralized anode with a surroundingspaced tubular cathode. Examples of this arrangement may be seen in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,452,688; 5,450,822; 5,231,954; and 5,105,773, for example.Other processes for separating a water molecule into its elementalcomponents are described in United States patents such as U.S. Pat. Nos.4,344,831; 4,184,931; 4,023,545; and 3,980,053.

All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, andpublications referred to or cited herein, or from which a claim forbenefit of priority has been made, are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety to the extent they are not inconsistent with theexplicit teachings of this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables a fuel comprised of hydrogen and/or oxygengases to be generated by electrolysis of water at such a rate that itcan enhance performance of an internal combustion engine. It achievesthis result by use of an improved electrolytic cell and method of use.According to the present invention, there is provided an electrolyticcell comprising an elongated outer housing having a tubular or tube-likeperipheral wall closed at each end via closures to define a housingspace, and a novel electrode array disposed horizontally within thehousing space and mounted between a pair of opposing insulative panels.First and second insulative panels divide the housing space into threeprimary portions, namely 1) an electrolyte inlet reservoir, 2) an oxygenoutlet chamber and 3) a reaction space therebetween which houses theelectrode array. The electrode array is comprised of a centrallydisposed anodic rod (anode) surrounded by a plurality of incrementallyspaced, relatively smaller, cathodic rods (cathodes) in parallelrelationship with the longitudinal axis of the anode, and a non-poroussheath separating the former from the latter. The sheath divides thereaction chamber into an oxygen generating chamber (housing the anode)and a hydrogen generating chamber (housing the cathodes). Oxygen gas andhydrogen gas generated through electrolysis are physically separated bythe sheath and therefore prevented from recombining.

The electrode array is arranged to produce a unitaryinductance/capacitance as herein described, and electric pulsegenerating means or a simple DC power arrangement operably attached tothe electrode array. When water is introduced into the reaction chamberthe water acts as both an induction coil core (with the surroundingcathodes as the induction coil) and a condenser (capacitor) dielectricto enable the formation of a unitary inductance-capacitance; whicheffectively is a capacitor and an inductor in parallel. With theapplication of the appropriate frequency the subject apparatus acts as aparallel resonant tank circuit which stores energy in the magnetic fieldof the coil and in the electric field of the capacitor. As the potentialdifference between the electrical and magnetic fields alternate,electrolysis occurs at a rapid rate. Where the desired result is aseparation of oxygen and hydrogen, the potential difference isessentially driven by a single sided anode to cathode pulse, (diodelimited). Where the liberated hydrogen and oxygen do not need to beseparated, the EM fields can alternate, and the sheath can be removed.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantcomponents and features of the invention in order that the detaileddescription thereof that follows may be better understood, and in orderthat the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will bedescribed hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of theclaims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least oneembodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure isbased, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of otherstructures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes ofthe present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims beregarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they donot depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application. The abstract is neither intended to define theinvention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is itintended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

It is therefore a primary object of the subject invention to provide ahydrogen and oxygen gases production system by electrolysis of water fordirect use in an internal combustion engine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control for theproduction of hydrogen and oxygen gases according to the engine needs.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an efficientapparatus for the production of hydrogen and oxygen gases for direct usein an internal combustion engine.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogenand oxygen gases production system adaptable to existing internalcombustion engines.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, referenceshould be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter inwhich there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those setforth above will become apparent when consideration is given to thefollowing detailed description thereof. Such description makes referenceto the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the preferred embodiment ofthe subject electrolytic cell;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken alongline 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken alongline 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken alongline 4-4; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken alongline 5-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It should be clearly understood at the outset that like referencenumerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portionsor surfaces consistently throughout the several drawings herein, as suchelements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained bythe entire written specification, of which this detailed description isan integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intendedto be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion,degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considereda portion of the entire written description of this invention. As usedin the following description, any reference to the terms “horizontal”,“vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival andadverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”,“upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustratedstructure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly,the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientationof a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, asappropriate.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1 in which there is illustrated alongitudinal sectional view of the subject electrolytic cell designatedgenerally by reference numeral 10. Cell 10 is comprised of an elongatedouter housing 12 having a tubular or tube-like peripheral wall 14 closedat each end via closures 16A,B to define a housing space 18 therebetween, and a novel electrode array 20 (FIG. 6) disposed horizontallywithin housing space 18 and mounted between a pair of opposinginsulative panels 22A,B. End closures 16A,B are joined to peripheralwall 14 by overlapping facing planar surfaces, one over another. Sealingmaterial such as PVC cement or glue impervious to gas, heat or water isinterposed between the two to further ensure sealing engagement. Firstand second insulative panels 22A,B, respectively, divide housing space18 into an electrolyte inlet reservoir 24, an oxygen outlet chamber 26and a reaction space 28 therebetween which houses electrode array 20.Insulative panels 22A,B may also be brought into sealing engagement withthe interior surface 13 of peripheral wall 14 using glue or cement. Acircumferential gasket 15 may also be employed between contactingsurfaces as shown. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, inlet reservoir 24 is incommunication with reaction space 28 via at least one portal 27 disposedthrough the bottom portion of first insulative panel 22A and proximatethe bottom of peripheral wall 14 to permit passage of electrolyte therethrough. Similarly, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, reaction space 28 mayoptionally be in communication with outlet chamber 26 via at least oneportal 27 disposed through the bottom portion of second insulative panel22B proximate the bottom of peripheral wall 14. The inclusion of atleast one portal 72 between reaction space 28 and outlet chamber 26 ismerely optional because a separate passageway connecting the twochambers is provided as discussed in detail below.

Housing 12, end closures 16A,B, insulative panels 22A,B and sheath 34are made of a chemically and electrically inert material, such as highimpact plastic, tempered glass, glazed lava, or the like. LightweightPVC material to minimize weight while maintaining durability and sealingcapability is preferred. Housing 12 and housing space 18 are notrestricted to the rectangular shape illustrated herein, but may have anysuitable configuration depending upon, inter alia, the most convenientlocation for its installation. Housing 12 and housing space 18 need notshare in common the same exterior or cross-sectional configuration.Cylindrical, square, oval, spherical and polygonal shapes are allcontemplated.

Electrode array 20 is comprised of a centrally disposed anodic rod(anode) 30 surrounded by a plurality of incrementally spaced, relativelysmaller, cathodic rods (cathodes) 32 in parallel relationship with thelongitudinal axis of anode 30, and a non-porous sheath 34 separating theformer from the latter. The sheath divides the reaction chamber into anoxygen generating chamber 36 (housing the anode) and a hydrogengenerating chamber 38 (housing the cathodes). Oxygen gas and hydrogengas generated through electrolysis are physically separated by sheath 34and therefore prevented from recombining.

Anode 30, cathodes 32 and sheath 34 are all supported at their oppositeends by insulative panels 22A,B. Specifically, first surface 23 a ofinsulative panel 22A includes a centrally disposed cutout 40 sized andshaped for the secure slidable reception of distal end 30A of anode 30therein. Insulative panel 22B includes a centrally disposed aperture 42sized and shaped for the slidable reception of proximal end 30B of anode30 there through. Similarly, first surface 25A of insulative panel 22Bincludes a plurality (one for each cathode) of cutouts 44 sized andshaped for the secure slidable reception of distal ends 32A of eachcathode 32 therein. Insulative panel 22A includes a plurality ofapertures 46 sized and shaped for the slidable reception of proximal end30B of each cathode 32 there through. Cutouts 44 are circumferentiallydistributed around center aperture 42 and evenly spaced from oneanother. Similarly, apertures 46 are circumferentially distributedaround center cutout 40 and evenly spaced from one another. For eachcircumferential aperture 46 through insulative panel 22 a there is acorresponding circumferential cutout 44 within insulative panel 22 bsuch that they oppose one another and secure a cathode 32 therein inparallel relationship to anode 30 which is concentrically oriented alongcentral longitudinal axis 48 of each insulative panel 22A,B. Finally,first surface 23A of insulative panel 22A includes first circumferentialchannel 50A concentrically located around longitudinal axis 48 betweencenter cutout 40 and circumferential apertures 46. A corresponding andopposing second circumferential channel 50B within first surface 25A ofinsulative panel 22B is concentrically located around longitudinal axis48 between center aperture 42 and circumferential cutouts 44. First andsecond circumferential channels 50A and 50B support opposite ends 34A,Bof sheath 34, respectively.

It may be appreciated that the presence of sheath 34 between insulativepanels 22A,B completely seals off oxygen generating chamber 36 from allneighboring chambers. In order that oxygen generating chamber 36 may befilled with electrolyte, first insulative panel 22A further includeselectrolyte inlet foramen 37 disposed there through. Inlet foramen 37 islocated between first circumferential channel 50A and center cutout 40,proximate the bottom of sheath 34, and permits the passage ofelectrolyte between inlet chamber 24 and oxygen generating chamber 36.In order that oxygen generated within oxygen chamber 36 may be evacuatedthere from, second insulative panel 22B further includes oxygenevacuation foramen 39 between second circumferential channel 50B andcenter aperture 42. Oxygen evacuation foramen 39 also permits thepassage of electrolyte between reaction space 28 and outlet chamber 38thus eliminating the need for the above described portal 27 withinsecond insulative panel 22B.

An anode connector 52 is held in abutting relationship to second surface258 of insulative panel 22B via bolt 54 interposed in proximal end 30Bof anode 30 such that anode connector 52 is in electrical contact withanode 30. An anode connector post 56 is interposed through anodeconnector 52 and through peripheral wall 14. Anode connector post 56 atits outside portion (i.e., outside of housing 12) is connected tocurrent source 58 via wire 60. A ring-like cathode connector 62 is heldin abutting relationship to second surface 23B of insulative panel 22Avia bolts 54 interposed in proximal end 32B of each cathode 32 such thatcathode connector 62 is in electrical contact with each cathode 32. Acathode connector post 64 is interposed through cathode connector 62 andthrough peripheral wall 14. Cathode connector post 64 at its outsideportion (i.e., outside of housing 12) is connected to a ground point 66located somewhere in the vehicle via ground wire 68.

An electrolytic fluid F is interposed within housing space 18 insufficient volume to cover all of the anode and cathode surfaces.Typically, the electrolytic fluid may be either water, potassiumhydroxide or a similar compound capable of generating free oxygen andhydrogen ions as a result of an electrolytic reaction. The volume offluid F will generally not entirely fill housing space 18 and a space Swill typically be left at the top portion thereof. The electrolyticfluid F is introduced into apparatus 10 through inlet 70 interposedthrough the top of peripheral wall 14 and in communication with inletreservoir 24. Fluid F passes through portals 27 into hydrogen generatingchamber 38 and, when portals 27 are present in second insulative panel22B, into oxygen outlet chamber 26. As previously stated, fluid F alsopasses through first foramen 37 into oxygen generating chamber 36 whichwill be entirely filled and will overflow into oxygen outlet chamber 26via second foramen 39.

In operation, a current is supplied to the anode 30 which, in consortwith the cathodes 32 and electrolytic fluid F produces a chemicalreaction that resulting in the production of free oxygen and hydrogenions. Hydrogen generated at cathodes 32 escapes hydrogen generatingchamber 38 through first outlet 72 interposed through the top ofperipheral wall 14 and in communication with hydrogen generating chamber38. Oxygen generated at anode 30 escapes from oxygen generating chamber36, through oxygen evacuation foramen 39 into oxygen outlet chamber 26and is finally liberated through second outlet 74 interposed through thetop of peripheral wall 14 and in communication with oxygen outletchamber 26. Free atomic oxygen will quickly form diatomic oxygen gas andhydrogen ions will quickly form diatomic hydrogen gas. Either or bothmay be introduced into the combustion situs of an engine to enhanceburning of the hydrocarbon fuels to improve the efficiency andcleanliness of the burn.

The unique construction of the subject apparatus acts as a single loopinduction coil. While the outer rods form an electrically conductivematerial around the central conductor, this effectively forms acondenser (capacitor) with whatever medium is in between, IE water. Insuch an arrangement of parts, the electrolyte acts as both an inductioncoil core and as a condenser (capacitor) dielectric to enable theformation of a unitary inductance-capacitance; which effectively is acapacitor and an inductor in parallel. With the application of theappropriate frequency, this design develops into a parallel resonanttank circuit which stores energy in the magnetic field of the coil (inthe electrolytic fluid) and in the electric field of the capacitor, asthe potential difference between the electrical and magnetic fieldsalternate electrolysis occurs at a rapid rate. Where the desired resultis a separation of oxygen and hydrogen, the potential difference isessentially driven by a single sided anode to cathode pulse, (diodelimited). Where the liberated hydrogen and oxygen do not need to beseparated, the EM fields can alternate, and sheath 34 can be removed. Upto four liters of 2H2+O2 per minute at nine amps have been successfullygenerated. The cell's output can be varied by adjusting the currentflow, if using a buck style DC-DC convertor, the frequency (adjustingoff the middle resonant frequency) and by the concentration ofelectrolytic fluid (simple DC). All can be modified by extending thelength of the anode and cathode configuration. The cell usesapproximately the same amount of current for ranges of 0.5-4 liters perminute. Moreover, the same flow rates may be generated at only 2-4 ampsproduced through the auto battery or fuse box and does not require asecondary power source. This, too, enables the device to be asunobtrusive as possible in the engine compartment and does not requirethe addition of weight or bulk to the automobile or vehicle at hand.Additionally, the device is readily adaptable for use with carburetedengines or fuel injection devices and also, with diesel engines.Depending on whether the Hydrogen and Oxygen need to be separated, afast acting, high current diode is used to ensure that this tank circuitis only fired in one direction, allowing the inherent physical design toseparate the two elements.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to theparticular embodiments herein set forth, it is understood that thepresent disclosure has been made only by way of example and thatnumerous changes in details of construction may be resorted to withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope ofthe invention should not be limited by the foregoing specifications, butrather only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

1. An electrolytic cell, comprising: a. an elongated housing having afirst closed end, a second closed end, and a peripheral side wall, saidfirst closed end, said second closed end, and said peripheral side walldefining a housing space; b. a first insulative panel and a secondinsulative panel disposed within said housing and dividing said housingspace into an inlet reservoir, an outlet chamber and a reaction spacebetween said inlet reservoir and said outlet chamber; c. an anodic rodcentrally disposed within said reaction space, said anodic having alongitudinal axis, a first end mounted to said first insulative panel,and a second end disposed through said second insulative panel and incommunication with said outlet chamber; said second end being inelectrical contact with a power source; d. a plurality of cathodic rodsincrementally spaced around said anodic rod and parallel to saidlongitudinal axis, each of said plurality of cathodic rods having afirst end mounted to said second insulative panel, and a second enddisposed through said first insulative panel and in communication withsaid inlet reservoir, each of said second ends being grounded; e. afluid inlet in communication with said inlet reservoir; f. a portalbetween said inlet reservoir and said reaction chamber and proximate thebottom of said peripheral wall to permit the passage of fluidtherebetween; g. a gas outlet disposed through the top of saidperipheral wall and in communication with said reaction chamber; wherebyan electrolytic fluid capable of generating free oxygen and hydrogenions as a result of an electrolytic reaction is interposed within saidhousing space in sufficient volume to cover said anodic rod and saidplurality of cathodic rods, and a current is supplied to said anodic rodwhich, in consort with said cathodic rods and electrolytic fluidproduces a chemical reaction resulting in the production of free oxygenand hydrogen ions.
 2. An electrolytic cell, comprising: a. an elongatedhousing having a first closed end, a second closed end, and a peripheralside wall, said first closed end, said second closed end, and saidperipheral side wall defining a housing space; b. a first insulativepanel and a second insulative panel disposed within said housing anddividing said housing space into an inlet reservoir, an outlet chamberand a reaction space between said inlet reservoir and said outletchamber; c. an anodic rod centrally disposed within said reaction space,said anodic having a longitudinal axis, a first end mounted to saidfirst insulative panel, and a second end disposed through said secondinsulative panel and in communication with said outlet chamber; saidsecond end being in electrical contact with a power source; d. aplurality of cathodic rods incrementally spaced around said anodic rodand parallel to said longitudinal axis, each of said plurality ofcathodic rods having a first end mounted to said second insulativepanel, and a second end disposed through said first insulative panel andin communication with said inlet reservoir, each of said second endsbeing grounded; e. a non-porous sheath separating said anodic rod fromsaid plurality of cathodic rods, said sheath having a first end mountedto said first insulative panel and a second end mounted to said secondinsulative panel, said sheath dividing said reaction chamber into anoxygen generating chamber within said sheath and a hydrogen generatingchamber outside said sheath; f. a fluid inlet in communication with saidinlet reservoir; g. a portal between said inlet reservoir and saidreaction chamber and proximate the bottom of said peripheral wall topermit the passage of fluid therebetween; h. an inlet foramen throughsaid first insulative panel between said inlet reservoir and said oxygengenerating chamber and proximate the bottom of said sheath to permit thepassage of fluid therebetween; i. a hydrogen outlet disposed through thetop of said peripheral wall and in communication with said hydrogengenerating chamber; j. an evacuation foramen through said secondinsulative panel between said oxygen generating chamber and said outletchamber and proximate the top of said sheath to permit the passage offluid therebetween; and k. an oxygen outlet disposed through the top ofsaid peripheral wall and in communication with said outlet chamber;whereby an electrolytic fluid capable of generating free oxygen andhydrogen ions as a result of an electrolytic reaction is interposedwithin said housing space in sufficient volume to cover said anodic rodand said plurality of cathodic rods, and a current is supplied to saidanodic rod which, in consort with said cathodic rods and electrolyticfluid produces a chemical reaction resulting in the production of freeoxygen within said oxygen generating chamber and hydrogen ions withinsaid hydrogen generating chamber, said free oxygen forming diatomicoxygen gas which passes through said evacuation foramen into saidevacuation chamber and out said oxygen outlet, and said hydrogen ionsforming diatomic hydrogen gas which is liberated through said hydrogenoutlet.